Combinations of imazalil and silver compounds

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to combinations of imazalil, or a salt thereof, and silver compounds which provide an improved biocidal effect. More particularly, the present invention relates to compositions comprising a combination of imazalil, or a salt thereof, together with one or more silver salts selected from silver acetate, silver alginate, silver azide, silver citrate, silver lactate, silver nitrate, silver sulfate, silver chloride, silver thiocyanate, silver-sodium-hydrogen-zirconium phosphate, silver sulfadiazine, silver cyclohexanediacetic acid and disilver 2,5-dichloro-3,6-dihydroxy-2,5-cyclohexadiene-1,4-dione; in respective proportions to provide a synergistic biocidal effect. Other suitable silver components (II) are products that set silver free using technologies to make it gradually biologically available such as by ion exchange mechanisms such like using zirconium phosphate based ceramics as a reservoir, or silver provided in glass ceramics as reservoir or carrier, or silver provided with zeolites, silica gel or titanium dioxide as a reservoir or an inorganic derivative containing silver, incorporated into a plastic composition for the preparation of moulded, lacquered or painted products, such as an amino resin (e.g. urea-formaldehyde resin, melamine formaldehyde resin . . . ) or a thermoplastic (e.g. a polyester, polyethylene, polyacrylate, pvc . . . ), or provided as nano-silver particles typically with a particle size of 20-1000 nm. Compositions comprising these combinations are useful for the protection of any living or non-living material, such as crops, plants, fruits, seeds, objects made of wood, thatch or the like, biodegradable material and textiles against deterioration due to the action of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, yeasts, algae, and the like.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is the national stage of Application No. PCT/EP2007/052081, filed 6 Mar. 2007 (hereby incorporated by reference herein), which application claims priority from EPO Patent Application No. 06110745.4, filed 7 Mar., 2006.

The present invention relates to combinations of imazalil, or a salt thereof, and silver compounds which provide an improved biocidal effect. More particularly, the present invention relates to compositions comprising a combination of imazalil, or a salt thereof, together with one or more silver salts selected from silver acetate, silver alginate, silver azide, silver citrate, silver lactate, silver nitrate, silver perchlorate, silver sulfate, silver chloride, silver thiocyanate, silver-sodium-hydrogen-zirconium phosphate, silver sulfadiazine, silver cyclohexanediacetic acid and disilver 2,5-dichloro-3,6-dihydroxy-2,5-cyclohexadiene-1,4-dione in respective proportions to provide a synergistic biocidal effect. Compositions comprising these combinations are useful for the protection of any living or non-living material, such as crops, plants, fruits, seeds, objects made of wood, thatch or the like, engineering material, biodegradable material and textiles against deterioration due to the action of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, yeasts, algae, viruses, and the like.

Microorganisms are extremely useful, and even indispensable, in processes such as, e.g. alcoholic fermentation, ripening of cheese, baking of bread, production of penicillin, purification of waste water, production of biogas, and the like. However, microorganisms can also be harmful or highly dangerous; by causing infectious diseases, by forming poisonous or carcinogenic metabolites and by attacking valuable materials, disturbing production processes, or impairment of the quality of products.

Biocides or microbiocides are a broad and diverse group of compounds which are able to control microorganisms: i.e. to eliminate, kill, or inhibit microorganisms, or to reduce the growth or proliferation of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, yeasts and algae. An important group of the biocides are the bactericides and fungicides. Since bacteria and fungi occur everywhere, their destructive activity (biodeterioration) is basically unavoidable. Nevertheless objects can be protected with the aid of compounds that prevent the multiplication of bacteria or fungi at the relevant sites, either by killing them or inhibiting their development.

Fungicidal combinations comprising the antifungal agents imazalil, pyrimethanil or thiabendazole have been disclosed in, e.g. EP-0,336,489 which describes combinations of imazalil and propiconazole, WO-99/12422 which describes combinations of imazalil and epoxiconazole and WO-03/011030 which describes fungicidal compositions comprising pyrimethanil and imazalil.

US-2005/0118280 discloses wood preservative compositions comprising an inorganic component, such as eg silver, and one or more organic biocides wherein the inorganic component or the organic component, or both, are present as micronized particles. Said wood preservative compositions provide for a uniform distribution within the treated wood with minimal leaching of the inorganic component and organic biocides from the wood. No synergistic effect is disclosed between the inorganic component and the organic biocides in the disclosed compositions.

It has now been found that the combination of imazalil (hereinafter referred to as component I) and one or more silver compounds selected from silver acetate, silver alginate, silver azide, silver citrate, silver lactate, silver nitrate, silver perchlorate, silver sulfate, silver chloride, silver thiocyanate, silver-sodium-hydrogen-zirconium phosphate, silver sulfadiazine, silver cyclohexanediacetic acid and disilver 2,5-dichloro-3,6-dihydroxy-2,5-cyclohexadiene-1,4-dione, has a synergistic effect on the control of microorganisms.

Imazalil, component (I), is a systemic fungicide with protective and curative action and is used to control a wide range of fungi on fruit, vegetables, and ornamentals, including powdery mildew on cucumber and black spot on roses. Imazalil is also used as a seed dressing and for post harvest treatment of citrus, banana, and other fruit to control storage decay. It is the generic name of the compound 1-[2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-2-(2-propenyloxy)ethyl)]-1H-imidazole, which compound may be represented by the formula

The components (II) are silver compounds selected from silver acetate, silver alginate, silver azide, silver citrate, silver lactate, silver nitrate, silver perchlorate, silver sulfate, silver chloride, silver thiocyanate, silver-sodium-hydrogen-zirconium phosphate, silver sulfadiazine, silver cyclohexanediacetic acid and disilver 2,5-dichloro-3,6-dihydroxy-2,5-cyclohexadiene-1,4-dione. Other silver components (II) are products that set silver free using technologies to make it gradually biologically available such as by ion exchange mechanisms such like using zirconium phosphate based ceramics as a reservoir, or silver provided in glass ceramics as reservoir or carrier, or silver provided with zeolites, silica gel or titanium dioxide as a reservoir or an inorganic derivative containing silver, incorporated into a plastic composition for the preparation of moulded, lacquered or painted products, such as an amino resin (e.g. urea-formaldehyde resin, melamine formaldehyde resin . . . ) or a thermoplastic (e.g. a polyester, polyethylene, polyacrylate, pvc . . . ), or provided as nano-silver particles typically with a particle size of 20-1000 nm.

The components (II) could as well be presented as a water or solvent based surface modification, a polymer surface coating, a metallic surface coating or a combination of those technologies.

The antifungal agent imazalil (I) may be present in its free base form or in the form of an acid addition salt, the latter being obtained by reaction of the base form with an appropriate acid. Appropriate acids comprise, for example, inorganic acids, such as the hydrohalic acids, i.e. hydrofluoric, hydrochloric, hydrobromic and hydroiodic, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, phosphinic acid and the like; or organic acids, such as, for example, acetic, propanoic, hydroxyacetic, 2-hydroxypropanoic, 2-oxo-propanoic, ethanedioic, propanedioic, butanedioic, (Z)-2-butenedioic, (E)-2-butenedioic, 2-hydroxybutanedioic, 2,3-dihydroxy-butanedioic, 2-hydroxy-1,2,3-propane-tricarboxylic, methanesulfonic, ethane-sulfonic, benzenesulfonic, 4-methylbenzene-sulfonic, cyclohexanesulfamic, 2-hydroxybenzoic, 4-amino-2-hydroxy-benzoic and the like acids.

Particular salt forms of imazalil (I) are the sulfate, phosphate, acetate, nitrate or phosphite salts.

Imazalil (I) has one asymmetric carbon atom and can therefore be used in the embodied compositions in the form of a mixture of both enantiomers, in particular a racemic mixture, or in the form of a substantially pure (R)- or (S)-enantiomer. The term “substantially pure” as used hereinbefore means a purity (either chemical or optical), as determined by methods conventional in the art such as high performance liquid chromatography or optical methods, of at least about 96%, preferably at least 98% and more preferably at least 99%.

The compositions of the present invention have biocidal activity against a broad range of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, yeasts and viruses. Bacteria include Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Fungi include e.g. wood-discoloring fungi, wood-destroying fungi, and phytophatogenic fungi. Viruses include HIV, SARS and bird flue.

The biocidal compositions of the present invention are useful in the preservation of wood, wood products, leather, natural or synthetic textile, fibers, non-wovens, technical textile, plasticized materials and non-plasticized thermoplastics as polypropylene, polyvinylchloride, etc. . . . , paper, wall paper, insulation material, laminates, amino moulding compounds, paints and coatings, fabrics, floor coverings, synthetic fibres like plasticized polymers, hessian, rope and cordage and biodegradable materials and protect said materials against attack and destruction by bacteria or fungi. As wood or wood products which can be preserved with the compositions according to the present invention is considered, for example, wood products such as timber, lumber, railway sleepers, telephone poles, fences, wood coverings, wicker-work, windows and doors, plywood, particle board, waferboards, chipboard, joinery, timber used above ground in exposed environments such as decking and timber used in ground contact or fresh water or salt water environments, bridges or wood products which are generally used in housebuilding, construction and carpentry. As biodegradable materials besides wood which can benefit from treatment with the compositions of the invention include cellulosic material such as cotton.

The biocidal compositions of the present invention are useful in the prevention of microbial contamination or biofilm formation in several industrial processes like gaskets, pipes and tubings in contact with fluids or involved in fluid transport, conveyer belts, surfaces and plastic components used in food transport, processing or production, and medical activities like medical equipment and devices like catheters, pacemakers, implants, surgery equipment and sterile textile.

The biocidal compositions of the present invention are useful in the prevention of hygienic concerns like unwanted bacterial, fungal or algal growth on surfaces, safety problems like the presence of Legionella in closed water systems, Nosocomial infections in hospitals, the presence of Multi-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), odor problems like in fabrics like socks, towels, protective uniforms, shoe linings or in filters or floor coverings. The invention is as well possible to protect areas or items coated with an ultra-hygienic polymer like for the manufacture of electrical devices such as light switches and switch plates; sanitary ware such as toilet seats; and door handles, handrails, baby-changing tables, telephones, and other end-use applications where the highest levels of sanitary protection are needed.

The biocidal compositions of the present invention are useful in the prevention of bacterial, fungal or algal growth on surfaces and herewith causing aesthetical problems for the materials considered

In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of controlling microbial growth on wood, wood products and biodegradable materials, which comprises applying an antimicrobially effective amount of a composition comprising a combination of component (I) and one or more components (II) in respective proportions to provide a synergistic biocidal effect, to the wood, wood products, leather, natural or synthetic textile, fibers, non-wovens, technical textile, plasticized materials and non-plasticized thermoplastics as polypropylene, polyvinylchloride, etc. . . . , paper, wall paper, insulation material, laminates, amino moulding compounds, paints and coatings, fabrics, floor coverings, synthetic fibres like plasticized polymers, hessian, rope and cordage.

The biocidal compositions of the present invention are also useful to protect engineering materials against microorganisms. Engineering materials which are intended to be protected can be glues, sizes, paints and plastic articles, cooling lubricants, aqueous hydraulic fluids and other non-living materials which can be infested with, or decomposed by, microorganisms.

In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of controlling microbial growth on engineering materials, which comprises applying an antimicrobially effective amount of a composition comprising a combination of component (I) and one or more components (II) in respective proportions to provide a synergistic biocidal effect, to the engineering materials to be treated.

The biocidal compositions according to the present invention can also be used to protect plants, or parts of plants, e.g. fruit, blossoms, flowers, foliage, stems, roots, cuttings, tubers of plants, fruit and seeds.

As examples of the wide variety of culture plants in which the combinations of components (I) and (II) according to the present invention can be used, there may be named for example cereals, e.g. wheat, barley, rye, oats, rice, sorghum and the like; beets, e.g. sugar beet and fodder beet; pome and stone fruit and berries, e.g. apples, pears, plums, peaches, almonds, cherries, strawberries, raspberries and blackberries; leguminous plants, e.g. beans, lentils, peas, soy beans; oleaginous plants, e.g. rape, mustard, poppy, olive, sunflower, coconut, castor-oil plant, cocoa, ground-nuts; cucurbitaceae, e.g. pumpkins, gherkins, melons, cucumbers, squashes; fibrous plants, e.g. cotton, flax, hemp, jute; citrus fruit, e.g. orange, lemon, grapefruit, mandarin; vegetables, e.g. spinach, lettuce, asparagus, brassicaceae such as cabbages and turnips, carrots, onions, tomatoes, potatoes, hot and sweet peppers; laurel-like plants, e.g. avocado, cinnamon, camphor tree; or plants such as maize, tobacco, nuts, coffee, sugar-cane, tea, vines, hops, bananas, rubber plants, as well as ornamental plants, e.g. flowers, shrubs, deciduous trees and evergreen trees such as conifers. This enumeration of culture plants is given with the purpose of illustrating the invention and not to delimiting it thereto.

In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of controlling microbial growth on plants, parts of plants, fruit and seeds, which comprises applying an antimicrobially effective amount of a composition comprising a combination of component (I) and one or more components (II) in respective proportions to provide a synergistic biocidal effect, to the plants, parts of plants, fruit and seeds to be treated.

The relative proportions of component (I) and one of the components (II) in compositions comprising a combination of component (I) and one of the components (II) are those proportions which result in a synergistic biocidal effect, when compared to a composition including, as an active ingredient, either component (I) alone or one of the components (II) alone. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the said synergistic effect may be obtained within various proportions of components (I) and (II) in the composition, depending on the kind of microorganism towards which effect is measured and the substrate to be treated. Based on the teachings of the present application, determination of the synergistic effect of such combinations can be performed according to the procedures of the Poison Plate Assay as described in Experiment 1. As a general rule, however, it may be said that for most microorganisms the suitable proportions by weight of the amount of component (I) to component (II) in the active composition should lie in the range from 10:1 to 1:10. Particularly, this range is from 8:2 to 2:8, more particularly from 3:1 to 1:3 or 2:1 to 1:2. Another particular ratio of component (I) to component (II) in the compositions of the present invention is a 1:1 ratio between component (I) and one of the components (II).

The quantity of each of the active ingredients in the compositions according to the present invention will be so that a synergistic biocidal effect is obtained. In particular it is contemplated that the ready to use compositions of the present invention comprise component (I) in a range from 10 to 50.000 mg/l. The component (II) is present in an amount ranging from 10 to 50.000 mg/l or mg/kg depending upon the specific activity of the selected component (II).

The concentration of component (I) and components (II) in the ready to use compositions is also dependent upon the specific conditions wherein these compositions are used. For instance, in foliar treatment a solution is sprayed directly onto the leaves wherein the concentration of component (I) ranges from 100 mg to 250 mg/l. Potatoes are treated with a composition comprising component (I) in an amount of about 7500 mg/l in such a manner that a solution of 2 liters is used for treating 1.000 kg. In the treatment of seed the compositions used comprise component (I) in an amount of about 50 g/l in such a manner that 100 kg of seed is treated with a solution of 100 ml to 200 ml. In the post-harvest treatment of fruit compositions are used comprising component (I) in an amount ranging from 250 to 500 mg/l in dip treatment, from 500 to 1.000 mg/l in spray treatment, and from 1.000 to 2.000 mg/l in wax treatment.

The compositions according to the present invention comprise as a combination of component (I) and component (II) in respective proportions to provide a synergistic biocidal effect, and furthermore one or more acceptable carriers.

These carriers are any material or substance with which the composition of components (I) and (II) is formulated in order to facilitate its application/dissemination to the locus to be treated, for instance by dissolving, dispersing, or diffusing the said composition, and/or to facilitate its storage, transport or handling without impairing its antifungal effectiveness. Said acceptable carriers may be a solid or a liquid or a gas which has been compressed to form a liquid, i.e. the compositions of this invention can suitably be used as concentrates, emulsions, emulsifiable concentrates, oil miscible suspension concentrates, oil-miscible liquid, soluble concentrates, solutions, granulates, dusts, sprays, aerosols, pellets, or powders.

In many instances the biocidal compositions to be used directly can be obtained from concentrates, such as e.g. emulsifiable concentrates, suspension concentrates, or soluble concentrates, upon dilution with aqueous or organic media, such concentrates being intended to be covered by the term composition as used in the definitions of the present invention. Such concentrates can be diluted to a ready to use mixture in a spray tank shortly before use. Preferably the compositions of the invention should contain from about 0.01 to 95% by weight of the combination of components (I) and (II). More preferably this range is from 0.1 to 90% by weight. Most preferably this range is from 1 to 80% by weight, depending on the type of formulation to be selected for specific application purposes, as further explained in details hereinafter.

An emulsifiable concentrate is a liquid, homogeneous formulation of the components (I) and (II) to be applied as an emulsion after dilution in water. A suspension concentrate is a stable suspension of the active ingredients in a fluid intended for dilution with water before use. A soluble concentrate is a liquid, homogeneous formulation to be applied as a true solution of the active ingredients after dilution in water.

The fungicidal compositions of the present invention can also be formulated as waxes for use as a cover or coating of e.g. fruit, in particular citrus fruit.

Biocidal compositions according to the present invention can be of use in post-harvest treatment of fruit, especially citrus fruit. In the latter instance, the fruit will be sprayed with or dipped or drenched into a liquid formulation or the fruit may be coated with a waxy composition. The latter waxy composition conveniently is prepared by thoroughly mixing a suspension concentrate with a suitable wax. The formulations for spray, dip or drench applications may be prepared upon dilution of a concentrate such as, e.g. an emulsifiable concentrate, a suspension concentrate or a soluble liquid, with an aqueous medium. Such concentrate in most instances consists of the active ingredients, a dispersing or suspending agent (surfactant), a thickening agent, a small amount of organic solvent, a wetting agent, optionally some anti-freeze agent, and water.

The biocidal compositions of the present invention can also be used for protecting seed against fungi. To that effect the present fungicidal compositions can be coated on seed, in which case the seed grains are drenched consecutively with a liquid composition of the active ingredients or if they are coated with a previously combined composition. The compositions can also be sprayed or atomised onto the seed using e.g. a spinning disc atomiser.

The combination of components (I) and (II) is preferably applied in the form of compositions wherein both said components are intimately admixed in order to ensure simultaneous administration to the materials to be protected. Administration or application of both components (I) and (II) can also be a “sequential-combined” administration or application, i.e. component (I) and component (II) are administered or applied alternatively or sequentially in the same place in such a way that they will necessarily become admixed together at the locus to be treated. This will be achieved namely if sequential administration or application takes place within a short period of time e.g. within less than 24 hours, preferably less than 12 hours. This alternative method can be carried out for instance by using a suitable single package comprising at least one container filled with a formulation comprising the active component (I) and at least one container filled with a formulation comprising an active component (II). Therefore the present invention also encompasses a product containing

-   -   (a) a composition comprising component (I) (i.e. imazalil) and     -   (b) a composition comprising a component (II), selected from         silver acetate, silver alginate, silver azide, silver citrate,         silver lactate, silver nitrate, silver perchlorate, silver         sulfate, silver chloride, silver thiocyanate,         silver-sodium-hydrogen-zirconium phosphate, silver sulfadiazine,         silver cyclohexanediacetic acid and disilver         2,5-dichloro-3,6-dihydroxy-2,5-cyclohexadiene-1,4-dione; as a         combination for simultaneous or sequential use, wherein said         compositions (a) and (b) are in respective proportions to         provide a synergistic biocidal effect. Other suitable silver         components (II) are products that set silver free using         technologies to make it gradually biologically available such as         by ion exchange mechanisms such like using zirconium phosphate         based ceramics as a reservoir, or silver provided in glass         ceramics as reservoir or carrier, or silver provided with         zeolites, silica gel or titanium dioxide as a reservoir or an         inorganic derivative containing silver, incorporated into a         plastic composition for the preparation of moulded, lacquered or         painted products, such as an amino resin (e.g. urea-formaldehyde         resin, melamine formaldehyde resin . . . ) or a thermoplastic         (e.g. a polyester, polyethylene, polyacrylate, pvc . . . ), or         provided as nano-silver particles typically with a particle size         of 20-1000 nm. Such products may consist of a suitable package         comprising separate containers wherein each container comprises         component (I) or one of the components (II), preferably in         formulated form. Such formulated forms in general have the same         composition as described for the formulations containing both         active ingredients.

Appropriate carriers and adjuvants for use in the compositions of the present invention may be solid or liquid and correspond to suitable substances known in the art of formulation, such as, for example natural or regenerated mineral substances, solvents, dispersants, surfactants, wetting agents, adhesives, thickeners, binders, fertilizers or anti-freeze agents.

Apart from both the aforementioned components (I) and (II), the compositions according to the present invention may further comprise other active ingredients, e.g. other microbiocides, in particular fungicides, and also insecticides, acaricides, nematicides, herbicides, plant growth regulators and fertilizers.

The components (I) and (II) are used in unmodified form or, preferably, together with the adjuvants conventionally employed in the art of formulation. They are therefore formulated following art-known procedures to emulsifiable concentrates, directly sprayable or dilutable solutions, dilute emulsions, wettable powders, soluble powders, dusts, granulates, and also encapsulations in e.g. polymer substances. As with the nature of the compositions, the methods of application, such as spraying, atomizing, dusting, scattering or pouring, are chosen in accordance with the intended objectives and the prevailing circumstances.

The formulations, i.e. the compositions, preparations or mixtures comprising the active ingredients and, where appropriate, a solid or liquid adjuvant, are prepared in known manner, e.g. by homogeneously mixing and/or grinding the active ingredients with extenders, e.g. solvents, solid carriers and, where appropriate, surface-active compounds (surfactants).

Suitable solvents are aromatic hydrocarbons, preferably the fractions containing 8 to 12 carbon atoms, e.g. dimethylbenzene mixtures or substituted naphthalenes, phthalates such as dibutyl phthalate or dioctyl phthalate, aliphatic or alicyclic hydrocarbons such as cyclohexane or paraffins, alcohols and glycols and their ethers and esters, such as ethanol, ethylene glycol, ethylene glycol monomethyl or monoethyl ether, ketones such as cyclohexanone, strongly polar solvents such as N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, dimethylsulfoxide or dimethylformamide, as well as vegetable oils or epoxidised vegetable oils such as epoxidised coconut oil or soybean oil; or water.

The solid carriers used e.g. for dusts and dispersible powders are normally natural mineral fillers such as calcite, talcum, kaolin, montmorillonite or attapulgite. In order to improve the physical properties it is also possible to add highly dispersed silicic acid or highly dispersed absorbent polymers. Suitable granulated absorbent carriers are of the porous type, for example pumice, broken brick, sepiolite or bentonite; and suitable nonsorbent carriers are materials such as calcite or sand. In addition, a great number of pregranulated materials of inorganic or organic nature can be used, e.g. especially dolomite or pulverised plant residues.

Suitable surface-active compounds to be used in the compositions of the present invention are non-ionic, cationic and/or anionic surfactants having good emulsifying, dispersing and wetting properties. The term “surfactants” will also be understood as comprising mixtures of surfactants.

Appropriate carriers and adjuvants for use in the compositions of the present invention may be solid or liquid and correspond to suitable substances known in the art for preparing formulations for treating plants or their loci, or for treating plant products, in particular for treating wood, such as, for example, natural or regenerated mineral substances, solvents, dispersants, surfactants, wetting agents, adhesives, thickeners, binders, fertilizers, anti-freeze agents, repellents, colour additives, corrosion inhibitors, water-repelling agents, siccatives, UV-stabilizers and other active ingredients.

Suitable anionic surfactants can be both water-soluble soaps and water-soluble synthetic surface-active compounds.

Suitable soaps are the alkali metal salts, earth alkaline metal salts or unsubstituted or substituted ammonium salts of higher fatty acids (C₁₀-C₂₂), e.g. the sodium or potassium salts of oleic or stearic acid, or of natural fatty acid mixtures which can be obtained e.g. from coconut oil or tallow oil. In addition, there may also be mentioned fatty acid methyltaurin salts.

More frequently, however, so-called synthetic surfactants are used, especially fatty sulfonates, fatty sulfates, sulfonated benzimidazole derivatives or alkylarylsulfonates. The fatty sulfonates or sulfates are usually in the form of alkali metal salts, earth alkaline metal salts or unsubstituted or substituted ammonium salts and contain an alkyl radical having from 8 to 22 carbon atoms said alkyl also comprising radicals derived from acyl radicals, e.g. the sodium or calcium salt of lignosulfonic acid, of dodecylsulfate or of a mixture of fatty alcohol sulfates obtained from natural fatty acids. These compounds also comprise the salts of sulfuric acid esters and sulfonic acids of fatty alcohol/ethylene oxide adducts. The sulfonated benzimidazole derivatives preferably contain 2 sulfonic acid groups and one fatty acid radical containing 8 to 22 carbon atoms. Examples of alkylarylsulfonates are the sodium, calcium or triethanolamine salts of dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid, dibutylnaphthalene-sulfonic acid, or of a naphthalene-sulfonic acid/formaldehyde condensation product. Also suitable are corresponding phosphates, e.g. salts of the phosphoric acid ester of an adduct of p-nonylphenol with 4 to 14 moles of ethylene oxide, or phospholipids.

Non-ionic surfactants are preferably polyglycol ether derivatives of aliphatic or cycloaliphatic alcohols, or saturated or unsaturated fatty acids and alkylphenols, said derivatives containing 3 to 10 glycol ether groups and 8 to 20 carbon atoms in the (aliphatic) hydrocarbon moiety and 6 to 18 carbon atoms in the alkyl moiety of the alkylphenols.

Further suitable non-ionic surfactants are the water-soluble adducts of polyethylene oxide with polypropylene glycol, ethylenediaminopoly-propylene glycol containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms in the alkyl chain, which adducts contain 20 to 250 ethylene glycol ether groups and 10 to 100 propylene glycol ether groups. These compounds usually contain 1 to 5 ethylene glycol units per propylene glycol unit.

Representative examples of non-ionic surfactants are nonylpheno-lpolyethoxy ethanols, castor oil polyglycol ethers, polypropylene/polyethylene oxide adducts, tributylphenoxypolyethoxyethanol, polyethylene glycol and octylphenoxypolyethoxy-ethanol. Fatty acid esters of polyethylene sorbitan, such as polyoxyethylene sorbitan trioleate, are also suitable non-ionic surfactants.

Particularly advantageous additives useful to improve the application and reduce the dose of the active ingredients, are the natural (animal or plant) or synthetic phospholipids of the cephalin or lecithin type such as, for example, phosphatidyl-ethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylglycerine, lysolecithin, or cardiolipin. Such phospholipids may be obtained from animal or plant cells, in particular from brain-, heart- or liver tissue, egg yolks or soy beans. Appropriate such phospholipids are for instance, phosphatidylchlorin mixtures. Synthetic phospholipids are for instance, dioctanylphosphatidyl-chloline and dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine.

EXPERIMENTAL PART Experiment 1 Poison Plate Assay

Name of the primary compound: imazalil (I) Name of the silver salt: silver nitrate or silver perchlorate Stock solution: 1000 ppm in DMSO Test combinations: % product A + % product B 100 +  0 80 + 20 66 + 33 50 + 50 33 + 66 20 + 80  0 + 100 Concentrations of total active ingredient in the combinations: a first series of concentrations increasing with steps of 1/3: 2.11−2.82−3.75−5.01−6.67−8.90−11.87−15.82−21.09−28.13−37.50−50.00 ppm a second series of concentrations increasing with steps of 1/3: 21.12−28.16−37.54−50.06−66.74−88.99−118.65−158.20−210.94−281.25−375.00−500.00 ppm

Culture Bacteria: Tryptose Agar (TA): 20 g bacto tryptose, medium: 5 g sodium chloride, 1 g bacto dextrose and 15 g bacto agar in 1 liter deionised water Fungi and yeast: Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA): 4 g potato infusion, 20 g bacto dextrose and 15 g bacto agar in 1 liter deionised water Experimental 24-well plates set up: Test species: Bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa NCIB 8295 Escherichia coli SSB I 8 Staphylococcus aureus LMG 8064 Fungi and yeast Aspergillus versicolor CNCM 1187-79 Penicillium purpurogenum CBS 170.60 Rhodoturula rubra B 52183 Stachybotris chartarum CBS 328.37 Ulocladium atrum IMI 214669a Trichoderma longibrachiatum ATCC 13631 Inoculum: with a spore/mycelium suspension (2 μl) or a small piece of agar from the margin of an actively growing colony Culture Bacteria: 27° C., 70% relative humidity, dark. conditions: Fungi: 22° C., 70% relative humidity, dark Evaluation: Evaluation after one week for bacteria and two weeks for fungi

MIC values (minimum inhibitory concentration in ppm total active ingredient) were noted and synergy was calculated using the Synergy Index method described by Kull et al. (Kull, F. C., P. C. Eismann, H. D. Sylvestrowicz, and R. L. Mayer (1961) “Mixtures of quaternary ammonium compounds and long-chain fatty acids as antifungal agents” Applied Microbiology 9: 538-541; also see Zwart Voorspuij, A. J., and C. A. G. Nass (1957) “Some aspects of the notions additivity, synergism and antagonism in the simultaneous activity of two antibacterial agents in vitro” Arch. intern. Pharmacodynamie 109: 211-228; Steinberg, D. C. (2000) “Measuring synergy” cosmetics & Toiletries 115(11): 59-62; and Lada, A., A. N. Petrocci, H. A. Green, and J. J. Merianos (1977) “Antimicrobial composition” U.S. Pat. No. 4,061,750, 3 pp.):

${{Synergy}\mspace{14mu}{Index}\mspace{14mu}\left( {S\; I} \right)} = {\frac{Q_{a}}{Q_{A}} + \frac{Q_{b}}{Q_{B}}}$ wherein:

-   Q_(A) is the concentration of compound A in ppm, acting alone, which     produced an end point (e.g. MIC), -   Q_(a) is the concentration of compound A in ppm, in the mixture,     which produced an end point (e.g. MIC), -   Q_(B) is the concentration of compound B in ppm, acting alone, which     produced an end point (e.g. MIC), -   Q_(b) is the concentration of compound B in ppm, in the mixture,     which produced an end point (e.g. MIC).

When the Synergy Index is greater than 1.0, antagonism is indicated. When the SI is equal to 1.0, additivity is indicated. When the SI is less than 1.0, synergism is demonstrated.

TABLE 1 MIC-values (minimum inhibitory concentration in ppm) and synergy index of combinations of imazalil with silver nitrate % imazalil + MIC-values Synergy % silver nitrate in ppm Index Penicillium 100 + 0  158 — purpurogenum 80 + 20 89 0.48 66 + 33 89 0.42 50 + 50 119 0.47 33 + 66 119 0.37 20 + 80 211 0.52  0 + 100 667 — Rhodoturula rubra 100 + 0  158 — 80 + 20 119 0.64 66 + 33 119 0.56 50 + 50 158 0.62 33 + 66 211 0.66 20 + 80 281 0.69  0 + 100 667 — Pseudomonas 100 + 0  667 — aeruginosa 80 + 20 281 0.97 66 + 33 158 0.75 50 + 50 158 1.01 33 + 66 119 0.95 20 + 80 89 0.83  0 + 100 89 —

TABLE 2 MIC-values (minimum inhibitory concentration in ppm) and synergy index of combinations of imazalil with silver perchlorate % imazalil + MIC-values Synergy % silver perchlorate in ppm Index Penicillium 100 + 0  158 — purpurogenum 80 + 20 50 0.27 66 + 33 89 0.42 50 + 50 89 0.35 33 + 66 119 0.37 20 + 80 211 0.52  0 + 100 667 — Rhodoturula rubra 100 + 0  119 — 80 + 20 67 0.47 66 + 33 89 0.54 50 + 50 89 0.44 33 + 66 119 0.45 20 + 80 281 0.81  0 + 100 667 — Pseudomonas 100 + 0  667 — aeruginosa 80 + 20 119 0.50 66 + 33 9 0.53 50 + 50 9 0.73 33 + 66 67 0.70 20 + 80 50 0.61  0 + 100 67 — 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A composition for controlling microbial growth on engineering materials, wherein said engineering materials are selected from the group consisting of glues, sizes, paints, plastic articles, cooling lubricants, and aqueous hydraulic fluids; comprising a combination of imazalil or a salt thereof, as component (I), and as a component (II) a silver compound selected from silver acetate, silver alginate, silver azide, silver citrate, silver lactate, silver nitrate, silver perchlorate, silver sulfate, silver chloride, silver thiocyanate, silver-sodium-hydrogen-zirconium phosphate, silver sulfadiazine, silver cyclohexanediacetic acid and disilver 2,5-dichloro-3,6-dihydroxy-2,5-cyclohexadiene-1,4-dione; wherein the ratio by weight of component (I) to component (II) ranges from 8:2 to 2:8 to provide a synergistic biocidal effect.
 2. A composition as claimed in claim 1 wherein component (II) is silver nitrate or silver perchlorate.
 3. A composition for controlling microbial growth on engineering materials, wherein said engineering materials are selected from the group consisting of glues, sizes, paints, plastic articles, cooling lubricants, and aqueous hydraulic fluids; comprising a combination of imazalil or a salt thereof, as component (I), and as a component (II), nano-silver particles; wherein the ratio by weight of component (I) to component (II) ranges from 8:2 to 2:8 to provide a synergistic biocidal effect.
 4. A composition according to claim 1 wherein the ratio by weight of component (I) to component (II) ranges from 3:1 to 1:3.
 5. A composition according to claim 1 wherein the amount of component (I) is present in a range from 10 to 50.000 mg/l and the amount of component (II) is present in a range from 10 to 50.000 mg/l.
 6. A method of controlling microbial growth on engineering materials, wherein said engineering materials are selected from the group consisting of glues, sizes, paints, plastic articles, cooling lubricants, and aqueous hydraulic fluids; which comprises applying an antimicrobially effective amount of a composition as claimed in claim 1, to the engineering materials to be treated.
 7. A product for controlling microbial growth on engineering materials, wherein said engineering materials are selected from the group consisting of glues, sizes, paints, plastic articles, cooling lubricants, and aqueous hydraulic fluids; containing (a) a composition comprising component (I), imazalil; and (b) a composition comprising a component (II) selected from silver acetate, silver alginate, silver azide, silver citrate, silver lactate, silver nitrate, silver perchlorate, silver sulfate, silver chloride, silver thiocyanate, silver-sodium-hydrogenzirconiumphosphate, silver sulfadiazine, silver cyclohexanediacetic acid and disilver 2,5-dichloro-3,6-dihydroxy-2,5-cyclohexadiene-1,4-dione, as a combination for simultaneous or sequential use, wherein said compositions (a) and (b) are in respective proportions such that the ratio by weight of component (I) to component (II) ranges from 8:2 to 2:8 to provide a synergistic biocidal effect.
 8. A product for controlling microbial growth on engineering materials, wherein said engineering materials are selected from the group consisting of glues, sizes, paints, plastic articles, cooling lubricants, and aqueous hydraulic fluids; containing (a) a composition comprising component (I), imazalil; and (b) a composition comprising a component (II), nano-silver particles, as a combination for simultaneous or sequential use, wherein said compositions (a) and (b) are in respective proportions such that the ratio by weight of component (I) to component (II) ranges from 8:2 to 2:8 to provide a synergistic biocidal effect.
 9. A composition for controlling microbial growth or biofilm formation on gaskets, pipes and tubings in contact with fluids or involved in fluid transport, conveyer belts, surfaces and plastic components used in food transport, processing or production; comprising a combination of imazalil or a salt thereof, as component (I), and as a component (II) a silver compound selected from silver acetate, silver alginate, silver azide, silver citrate, silver lactate, silver nitrate, silver perchlorate, silver sulfate, silver chloride, silver thiocyanate, silver-sodium-hydrogen-zirconium phosphate, silver sulfadiazine, silver cyclohexanediacetic acid and disilver 2,5-dichloro-3,6-dihydroxy-2,5-cyclohexadiene-1,4-dione; wherein the ratio by weight of component (I) to component (II) ranges from 8:2 to 2:8 to provide a synergistic biocidal effect.
 10. A composition as claimed in claim 9 wherein component (II) is silver nitrate or silver perchlorate.
 11. A composition for controlling microbial growth or biofilm formation on gaskets, pipes and tubings in contact with fluids or involved in fluid transport, conveyer belts, surfaces and plastic components used in food transport, processing or production; comprising a combination of imazalil or a salt thereof, as component (I), and as a component (II), nano-silver particles; wherein the ratio by weight of component (I) to component (II) ranges from 8:2 to 2:8 to provide a synergistic biocidal effect.
 12. A composition according to claim 9 wherein the ratio by weight of component (I) to component (II) ranges from 3:1 to 1:3.
 13. A composition according to claim 9 wherein the amount of component (I) is present in a range from 10 to 50.000 mg/l and the amount of component (II) is present in a range from 10 to 50.000 mg/l.
 14. A method of controlling microbial growth or biofilm formation on gaskets, pipes and tubings in contact with fluids or involved in fluid transport, conveyer belts, surfaces and plastic components used in food transport, processing or production; which comprises applying an antimicrobially effective amount of a composition as claimed in claim 9, to the materials to be treated.
 15. A composition for protecting plants, or a part of a plant selected from the group consisting of fruit, blossoms, flowers, foliage, stems, roots, cuttings, tubers of plants, and seeds; comprising a combination of imazalil or a salt thereof, as component (I), and as a component (II) a silver compound selected from silver acetate, silver alginate, silver azide, silver citrate, silver lactate, silver nitrate, silver perchlorate, silver sulfate, silver chloride, silver thiocyanate, silver-sodium-hydrogen-zirconium phosphate, silver sulfadiazine, silver cyclohexanediacetic acid and disilver 2,5-dichloro-3,6-dihydroxy-2,5-cyclohexadiene-1,4-dione; wherein the ratio by weight of component (I) to component (II) ranges from 8:2 to 2:8 to provide a synergistic biocidal effect.
 16. A composition as claimed in claim 15 wherein component (II) is silver nitrate or silver perchlorate.
 17. A composition for protecting plants, or a part of a plant selected from the group consisting of fruit, blossoms, flowers, foliage, stems, roots, cuttings, tubers of plants, and seeds; comprising a combination of imazalil or a salt thereof, as component (I), and as a component (II), nano-silver particles; wherein the ratio by weight of component (I) to component (II) ranges from 8:2 to 2:8 to provide a synergistic biocidal effect.
 18. A composition according to claim 15 wherein the ratio by weight of component (I) to component (II) ranges from 3:1 to 1:3.
 19. A composition according to claim 15 wherein the amount of component (I) is present in a range from 10 to 50.000 mg/l and the amount of component (II) is present in a range from 10 to 50.000 mg/l.
 20. A method of protecting plants, or a part of a plant selected from the group consisting of fruit, blossoms, flowers, foliage, stems, roots, cuttings, tubers of plants, and seeds; which comprises applying an antimicrobially effective amount of a composition as claimed in claim 15, to the plant or part of a plant to be treated. 